Microsoft Access Cost

Microsoft Access is a relatively inexpensive program. Microsoft doesn’t make it available as a singular purchase. However, it can be acquired through a subscription to Microsoft 365 for $70 a year. Students and employees may obtain a free subscription to Microsoft 365 through their university or company. They may also find options to purchase a subscription for their home computer at a discount. Singular and outdated versions of Microsoft Access are available from online sellers at a lower price. While these versions won’t have the latest features of Microsoft Access, they could serve as adequate training tools.

What is Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is a database management software. Access is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and is standard for business and enterprise users. Like Microsoft Excel, Access lets users view and manage data. However, Access is more powerful than Excel and can process more data at once. While Excel is appropriate for viewing and managing data in a spreadsheet format, Access is more suitable for managing entire databases. 

Access allows users to create several tables containing their own data that need to be tracked separately and connect those tables. These connected tables make up a database. And, just like with tables, users can connect databases to track relationships. Within Access, users can also query databases to find the necessary information. As with Excel, users can easily export reports from data within Access to create reports for printing and sharing with stakeholders. These multiple features included in Access allow entrepreneurs and businesses to gather large amounts of data, gain insights and take action on operations, projects, and performance.

Read more about what Microsoft Access is and why you should learn it. 

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What Can You Do with Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is used to build simple database management systems where entrepreneurs and businesses can store large amounts of data. Users can create tables for managing data and can connect those tables to track relationships. The insights gained from these relationships allow businesses to acquire valuable insights regarding their financials, inventory and sales, productivity, and project management, among others. Databases also function for purposes such as keeping track of employee information or managing client/server forms.

When it comes to sharing data, Access makes it easy to compile data and format reports. Data converts into colorful charts and graphs, making this visualization of data helpful for presenting insights to stakeholders. Charts are also customizable to your needs, including interactive elements. Reports have a variety of options as well. They can be printed, exported to another file or program, or emailed as an attachment.

Access' simple interface and built-in tools make it an excellent resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs who may need more application-building experience. Access can also create desktop or web applications. Developers can create macros, build modules, and develop their own code libraries. Access is also helpful for larger companies that want to develop their own applications without the cost of outsourcing.

In-Depth Review of the Cost

Microsoft Access can be acquired as a free trial. Once the trial is complete, Microsoft Access can be purchased as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription for $70 annually. If you have multiple people wanting to learn Microsoft Access, an entire family of up to six people can purchase Microsoft 365 for $100 per year. 

A monthly payment plan is available for $6.99 for a singular subscription or $9.99 for a family. The subscription plan allows users to download Microsoft 365 on up to five devices. A singular plan comes with 1TB of cloud storage, while a family plan comes with 6TBs. 

Students in college can get Microsoft 365 for $2.99 a month. This is the equivalent of a personal subscription plan. To qualify, students must provide their information to verify that they are actively enrolled in a college or university. 

Free alternatives to Microsoft Access exist online, though they won’t possess the same features and may not be an initiative to learn. If you want the full features of Microsoft Access but are still looking for a discount, Microsoft Office regularly releases new versions of the program. Older versions of Microsoft Access are sold by third-party retailers at various prices. Keep in mind that while these older versions will contain most features of Microsoft Access, they may not possess the latest improvements. However, if you are on a budget, the discount may be worth lesser features.

Why Learn Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is an information management tool that allows businesses to store and gain insights from large amounts of data. Insight gathering is vital for modern businesses as it enables them to understand what does and doesn't work within their operations and decide how to best move forward. Learning tools such as Microsoft Access is essential for any profession that works with data, such as Data Analysts, Project Managers, and Accountants. Microsoft Access possesses additional features, such as web and desktop application creation and client/server database management.

Microsoft Office programs are popular across businesses and industries worldwide. Even if your desired profession doesn't require proficiency in Access, you are likely to encounter and be expected to know how to use at least one Microsoft program at your job. Therefore, proven ability in Microsoft Access will likely help job seekers stand out among the competition as it demonstrates your motivation to learn new skills and advance your career. 

Read more about why you should learn Microsoft Access. 

Free Introductory Microsoft Access Course Online 

If you are still deciding whether to dive into an entire Microsoft Access course, you can search for an online introduction to Microsoft Access through Youtube, Coursera, Udemy, and other skill-sharing websites. These free courses are usually short, lasting less than two hours. They often feature Microsoft Access fundamentals, such as how to create forms and tables and manage data. Some courses even teach advanced tips and tricks. 

However, many free courses teach older versions of programs. While most of Microsoft Access's features are consistent through subsequent iterations, newer versions of the program usually possess previously unseen features or place features in different locations. With free resources, it can also be impossible to verify whether the information is quality or correct. While free online classes can be valuable and cost-effective for pure beginners, they aren't ideal for professionals looking to learn comprehensive Microsoft Access skills to advance their careers.

Read about more free Microsoft Access videos and online tutorials.

Learn Microsoft Access with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

In today's busy world, live online learning can be a fast, engaging, and cheaper alternative to in-person classes. With live, hands-on training at Noble Desktop, Microsoft Access is easy to learn. Noble Desktop's classes are small, taught by expert instructors, and include free retake options.

Noble Desktop offers Microsoft Access classes at two levels. Microsoft Access Level I teaches beginners the fundamentals of the program. Students learn how to work with data and create tables and forms. Microsoft Access Level II teaches advanced techniques such as data validation, table structure improvement, and advanced reporting. Students build their own databases and learn efficiency tips and tricks. 

The Microsoft Access Bootcamp covers both Microsoft Access Level I and II. This class is ideal for beginners who wish to master the program in one comprehensive course. Students interested in becoming certified in Microsoft Access may want to attend the Access Specialist Certification Program. This course is offered through NYIM, an affiliate school to Noble Desktop, and combines Microsoft Access Level I and II with Access Certification exam training.